ABERDEEN PROING GROUND, MD - In a major milestone for the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), a new era of digital modernization officially began earlier this summer. The ATEC Integrated Mission Management System (AIMMS) officially went live on June 16, replacing the ATEC Decision Support System (ADSS), a legacy system that served the command and its customers for three decades.
The reason behind the new system is the growing need for modernization. According to James Amato, ATEC executive technical director and deputy to the commander, AIMMS is the next-generation solution.
Honoring the legacy of ADSS
Over the past three decades, ADSS has been a pillar of ATEC’s ability to intake and process customer requirements, assign work to test and evaluation subordinate centers, develop plans and provide timely status updates and reports. Throughout its long service, the system weathered evolving mission requirements, changes in system ownership, varying levels of adoption, cybersecurity shifts and compliance with Department of the Army mandates.
According to Kristopher Weygant, business process management specialist in the ATEC Digital Modernization Directorate and the product owner of AIMMS, “the longevity of ADSS means it became deeply embedded in ATEC’s business processes and organizational structure. Over time, however, the system’s underlying architecture made it increasingly difficult to adapt to changes across the command.”
Building a foundation for the future
The initial release of AIMMS is designed to meet the core capabilities that users relied upon in ADSS, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the future modernization of ATEC’s test and evaluation business processes.
Amato stated that “although AIMMS’ initial release was a minimum viable product, it serves as a strong foundation which the ATEC enterprise will continuously build upon.”
By enhancing data visibility and streamlining workflows, AIMMS will drive greater efficiency and effectiveness across the command and for its test and evaluation customers. In today’s rapidly evolving environment, where technological relevance dictates that value is measured in days and weeks rather than months or years, this agility is essential.
While the first iteration of any major software deployment may require adjustments, it is supported by a dedicated team committed to continuous improvement. Internal ATEC users can expect ongoing training, and a transparent process for vetting and implementing new requirements. The development team has already compiled a robust list of data, processes and feature enhancements based on incoming feedback.
“Via formal agile processes our AIMMS team led by Digital Modernization Directorate is resolving bugs, adding features and correcting data in four-week sprints,” said Weygant. “We expect feedback of found bugs and major data corrections to decrease to the point where we can begin business process reengineering which will manifest as AIMMS v2.0, expected in 2027.”
Embracing the digital journey
The transition to AIMMS is more than just a software upgrade; it is a critical step in ATEC’s broader digital transformation journey. It empowers the command to deliver even greater value and responsiveness to its customers and partners across the Army, Department of War, private industry, academia and allied nations, though it will require a cultural shift.
"Some of these improvements will require changes in how we conduct business as an ATEC enterprise," Amato said. "Transitioning can be challenging, but we must not allow resistance to change to limit our future potential."
Ultimately, AIMMS is a testament to ATEC's commitment to agility and modernization. As the rollout of new features and capabilities continues over the coming year, ATEC has encouraged its workforce to embrace the new system and keep providing valuable feedback.
"Every step toward digital modernization and increased operational effectiveness is a step in the right direction,” said Amato. “Practice makes progress, and continuous iteration leads to success."
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